Albania is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Europe, and the best way to discover it is by car. Public transport can take you to the main cities, but it cannot take you to hidden beaches, mountain passes, or remote villages where the real magic is found. A rental car changes everything.
This 7-day itinerary in Albania covers around 900 km, starting and ending in Tirana. During the trip, you will visit two UNESCO cities, the coastline of the Albanian Riviera, the Llogara Pass, and the southeast of the country, without returning along the same roads. Every distance, travel time, and recommendation has been planned to make the journey as clear, practical, and easy to follow as possible.
If you pick up the car at Tirana International Airport, the process is simple. You can book online with RentPoint, collect the car immediately after arrival, and start your journey within minutes. All vehicles come with unlimited mileage, something very important when you have so many roads to cover.
Day 1: Tirana – Berat (120 Km — Around 2 Hours)
Start your journey south, on the SH4 road toward Berat. The road is well maintained and easy to follow, making it a comfortable start for a road trip in Albania.
Berat is one of Albania’s UNESCO-listed cities. Known as the “City of One Over One Windows,” it attracts attention with its white Ottoman houses, historic streets, and castle at the top of the city, where residents still live.
What To Do In Berat
Walk through the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, where the architecture is best preserved. Cross the Gorica Bridge, which connects the two historic neighborhoods. Climb up to Berat Castle before sunset, because the panoramic views over the Osum River valley are worth every step.
Inside the castle walls, visit the Onufri Museum, located in a 15th-century church and known for its extraordinary collection of Byzantine icons. For dinner, choose one of the restaurants along the promenade near the river. Berat is quieter than the coast and more affordable, where a full meal for two people rarely exceeds 20 euros.
Day 2: Berat — Osum Canyon And Local Exploration
Use the second day to discover more than just the old city. Osum Canyon is located around 30 minutes by car south of Berat and is one of the most impressive natural formations in Albania, with steep limestone walls rising more than 80 meters above the river below.
From May to September, several local operators offer rafting through the canyon. Even if you do not go rafting, the panoramic viewpoints along the edge of the canyon are spectacular and easy to reach by car. Follow the signs toward Bogova from the SH72 road south of Berat.
In the afternoon, return to Berat to see anything you may have missed. The Ethnographic Museum, located in an 18th-century Ottoman house, gives a detailed view of traditional Albanian life.
Driving tip: Park near the Gorica Bridge. The road to the castle is narrow and steep, so walking up is easier and more enjoyable than driving.
Day 3: Berat – Albanian Riviera Through Llogara Pass (200 Km — Around 4 Hours)
This is the longest day behind the wheel, but also the most beautiful. Leave Berat toward Fier, then continue west to Vlora. From Vlora, the coastal SH8 road climbs into the Ceraunian Mountains and crosses Llogara Pass at 1,027 meters above sea level, one of the most scenic roads in all of Southern Europe.
The pass itself takes around 40 minutes to drive through. The sharp turns climb through dense pine forests and, at the top, the road opens onto a stunning view of the Ionian Sea, where on clear days you can also see the island of Corfu. Stop at one of the restaurants on the pass for grilled lamb and mountain tea.
After the pass, the road descends steeply toward the coast. Your destination for the evening is Dhërmi or Himara, two places that offer excellent beaches, good restaurants, and accommodation for every budget.
Information About The Llogara Tunnel 2026
The new tunnel has been completed and avoids the most difficult part of Llogara Pass. It is faster, but the old road over the pass remains open and is absolutely worth driving when the weather is good. Take the scenic road on the descent and save the tunnel for the return or for days with bad weather.
Day 4: Albanian Riviera — Beaches And Coastal Exploration
Spend a full day exploring the coastline of the Riviera. With a rental car, you can visit several beaches in one day, including places that are harder to reach by bus.
Places To Visit
Gjipe Beach — Reached through a short unpaved road and a walk of around 20 minutes down the canyon. It is one of the most secluded beaches on the coast. The access road is not paved, but in dry weather it can be managed by most vehicles.
Porto Palermo — A small fortress from the Ottoman period, located on a peninsula in a protected bay. The view feels like a movie scene and is usually not too crowded.
Livadhi Beach In Himara — A long beach with sand and shallow water, ideal for families. Along the shore, there are beach bars and restaurants.
Borsh Beach — Around 7 km long, it is the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera. Because of its length, a large part of it remains quiet even at the peak of the summer season.
Parking tip: Most parking areas near the beaches during summer cost 200–500 lek, approximately 2–5 euros. Keep cash with you, because the people managing the parking areas usually do not accept cards.
Day 5: Riviera – Saranda And Butrint (70 Km — Around 1.5 Hours)
Drive south along the coast to Saranda, the largest city on Albania’s southern coastline. Saranda is a lively tourist city, with a long promenade, many restaurants, and views toward the Greek island of Corfu, only 25 minutes away by ferry.
After checking in, drive 18 km south toward Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Mediterranean. The ruins include Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian periods, all set on a green peninsula surrounded by lagoon waters. Allow at least two hours for the visit. Entrance costs 1,000 lek, around 10 euros.
If you have time in the afternoon, take a short trip to Ksamil, famous for its small islands and turquoise water. In July and August it gets very crowded, but with a car you can go early in the morning or during golden hour, when day visitors start to leave.
Day 6: Saranda – Gjirokastër – Korça (240 Km — Around 4.5 Hours)
Leave the coast behind and head inland. The road from Saranda to Gjirokastër takes around one hour and passes through a winding section, but with good asphalt. Along the way, stop at the Blue Eye, a natural phenomenon where crystal-clear water emerges from an underground cave. The spring is very close to the main road and takes around one hour to visit, including a short walk through the forest.
Gjirokastër is the second UNESCO city on this itinerary. Its stone houses, known as “kullas,” are unlike anything else in Albania. The majestic castle above the city houses a military museum and offers commanding views over the Drino Valley.
After lunch in Gjirokastër, continue east toward Korça. This is a longer road, around 3 hours, but it passes through beautiful mountain landscapes, including the Përmet Valley and the highlands of Leskovik. Fill the tank in Gjirokastër, because fuel stations become less frequent on this section.
Day 7: Korça And Return To Tirana (190 Km — Around 3 Hours)
Spend the morning exploring Korça, often called “Albania’s Little Paris.” The city has a different atmosphere from the coast, more urban, with café culture, excellent museums, and a well-known brewery.
What To Do In Korça
Walk through the Old Bazaar, recently restored and filled with restaurants and artisan shops. Visit the National Museum of Medieval Art, which preserves one of the best collections of Byzantine icons in the Balkans. If you drink beer, Birra Korça offers tours, while the local pilsner is genuinely good.
For a short detour, the village of Voskopojë is located around 20 km west of Korça. Once one of the largest cities in the Balkans, today it is a quiet mountain village, surrounded by forests and filled with 18th-century churches known for their unique frescoes.
After lunch, drive north to Tirana via the A3 motorway, which passes through the Krraba Tunnel and significantly shortens the travel time. You will arrive in Tirana in around three hours, in time to return the car at the airport or at the city office before departure.
Practical Information For Your Trip
Approximate Costs For 7 Days (For Two People)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range |
| Rental car, 7 days, economy | €140–175 | €210–280 |
| Fuel, 900 km | €60–75 | €60–75 |
| Accommodation, 6 nights | €150–210 | €240–360 |
| Food and drinks | €140–200 | €250–350 |
| Entrances and parking | €30–40 | €30–40 |
| Total | €520–700 | €790–1,105 |
Main Driving Tips
Fuel: Most fuel stations prefer cash payments. Usually, the fuel station employee fills the car for you.
Speed limits: 40 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on national roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are common on the Tirana–Durrës motorway.
Parking: In most smaller cities and villages, parking is free. In Saranda, Ksamil, and the beach areas of the Riviera during summer, parking is usually paid.
Road quality: Main motorways, such as A1, A2, and A3, are very good. Secondary roads vary, so in mountain sections you may encounter potholes. For Theth or Valbona, an SUV is recommended, but this itinerary can be done comfortably with a standard car.
Unlimited mileage matters In seven days, you will cover almost 900 km. A car with mileage restrictions can bring unexpected costs. RentPoint includes unlimited mileage in all vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need An International Driving Permit To Drive In Albania?
Most licenses from EU countries and the United Kingdom are accepted. Visitors from the USA, Canada, and Australia should carry an International Driving Permit together with their home country license.
Is Driving In Albania Safe?
The main motorways are modern and well maintained. Mountain roads require more attention, especially at night. Avoid driving on rural roads after dark when possible.
Can I Take The Rental Car To Neighboring Countries?
Cross-border travel to Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Greece is possible with some rental companies. Ask at the time of booking, because additional documentation or special insurance may be required.
What Type Of Car Do I Need?
For this itinerary, a standard economy or compact car is enough. The roads are paved throughout the itinerary. If you plan to add off-road detours, such as the road to Theth, then choosing an SUV is worth it.